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Desktop computing-the focus for our first three Solutions Reviews of 1999-forms the basis for everything we do as resellers of computer equipment and providers of computing solutions. Were it not for desktop computing, the reseller channel as we know it today would not exist. So, it's a logical place to begin our new series of Solutions Review Wrap-Up, which will appear quarterly during 1999.
During the past three months, the VARBusiness Labs team has reviewed top desktop computing equipment and file servers. In January, we gathered desktop machines for review. They included desktop computers-the fully managed variety and bare-bones, low-cost models-desktop replacement notebook computers; and professional workstations that would be suitable for 2D graphics work or heavy- duty numerical computational activities.
In February, we brought together and reviewed file servers for a small business or a department or branch office of a larger enterprise.
Finally, at the beginning of this month, we reviewed thin clients, both new Windows-based terminals and "traditional" network computers. In each, we selected the best products provided to us. Now, we put them all together into "solutions" for desktop computing.
The Labs team has developed three business scenarios that any reseller or integrator might easily encounter:
- a small design company that provides clients with electronic design automation services. This calls for 2D graphic layouts and some electronic system simulation;
- a sales office of a large company that requires 30 to 100 desktops.
For each of those three scenarios, we developed and weighted selection criteria for the products needed in the environment and then ranked our recommended products (and sometimes products that we did not recommend on the first go-around) in light of those selected criteria. Weightings are different in each of the scenarios. Grades are those assigned in our earlier reviews. Thus, we came up with our solutions for desktop computing.
Scenario 1:
Small Design Firm
Our first example is a fictitious small design firm that conducts PC-board layout and prototyping for various clients in the electronics industry. It may, as a result, run simulations, both digital and analog, on the boards that it designs with components installed. It has five people employed at present, but the company is prosperous and has plans to grow. Right now, it needs...